In the recent Weekend edition of Midweek ( I know that sounds like an oxymoron) veteran Hawaiian musician Keali'i Reichel was quoted in telling film-maker Edgy Lee that he wouldn't want to participate in a film that portrays Native Hawaiians only as victims.
This is like what Bill Cosby has done for the African-American community. Cosby told African-American audiences to stop being victims. While other African-Americans have said the same thing, very few of them have the status like Bill Cosby has.
The same is going on within the Native Hawaiian community. Many within the Native Hawaiian community are sick of being portrayed as helpless victims. They're sick of being stereotyped as being militant radicals who can't get over 1893. However, some also fear being outcasted by their more militant relatives who might scream at them at their next family gathering.
Kealii Reichel said he is sick of the "poor me this, poor me that" attitude that he hears from other Native Hawaiians. I am glad that Reichel spoke up about this, especially in a forum read by non-native Hawaiians. This will get some non-native Hawaiians to stop stereotyping all Native Hawaiians as being helpless victims.
I wish there was web-link to this but unfortunately, there is none.
Edgy Lee convinced Reichel that she wasn't interested in making a victimhood film, that she wants to make a film on Native Hawaiian culture. The film will be aired on Hawaii television this coming Tuesday on KHON (Hawaii's FOX affiliate) at 9pm. Hopefully, I 'll remember that so I can watch it.
